Fantasy Hockey 101: Duds And Suds!

Did you ever have the feeling like it was one of those weeks? Imagine what it has been like for some of the best players in the league. There are guys who hung your fantasy hat on and like a little kid clinging to the blanket...you are still holding on for dear life even when you should have probably find a way to cut the cord!!! These are a few of those stories. Cue up the gavel from Law And Order!

Apparently it is not a good time to own Simon Gagne. Aside from battling injuries, the talented Flyers forward has a total of 1 point since Christmas! Now his +/- is even. However, he has a grand total of 7 shots in his last 6 games...that is not going to get it done in fantasy leagues. You can live with a guy that is in a slump but when he is this far down in the dumps as he is right now....it is time to ponder getting a pitcher of your favorite cold one and start chugging!

Those of you who did not stash Matt Sundin away. With all due respect, he is just getting back into it but one goal in three games and only four shots really is not what some Sundin owners expected. The reality is this is what to expect for the next week maybe two before Sundin gets in true game playing shape. Like I said, if you really expected Sundin to step right in...I have a patch of land in Manhattan to sell to you for dirt cheap. Sometimes you have to think before you put that guy in your lineup. It really is that simple!

This one is just for those who picked up Marian Gaborik after he was somewhat healthy for that brief stretch. This will also apply to those who have Rick DiPietro still. Marian Gaborik as we all know is out 10-14 weeks after hip surgery and Rick DiPietro is out again with more knee swelling issues. Two guys that were going to be heavily counted on at the start of the season have basically killed some GM's and their ability to either think straight or pick up some people on the fly. The bottom line is DROP NOW and run far away from these two and pick up something...anything...to get some points. In this case, something really is better than nothing. Just for emphasis, their trade value is zero by the way and that even goes in some keeper leagues as well.

Just for a quick addition...if you are really expecting just because Ilya Kovalchuk has been named the "C" in Atlanta...that it will actually boost his fantasy value...think again! If guys like Patrik Elias cannot handle the "C", what makes you think Kovalchuk will actually be able to? Just some food for thought as you go out and get your beer to drown your sorrows because of all these blasted duds that keep screwing up fantasy teams.

Next week we get ready for the All-Star Break with some guys that have pleased us over the first half......enjoy!!